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More Americans are setting sail to vacation
destinations than ever before.
"We love it; I got hooked the first time," Cato
Larsem told
CBS4 Your
Money Reporter Gwen Belton.
Larsem said he took his first cruise a year ago
and he can't get enough. Tuesday, he and his
friend Siri did some last minute shopping in
downtown Miami before they head out on a five
day cruise; Larsem said he booked the trip for
$600, not including airfare. Coming from Norway,
that's still a great deal.
About 34 million passengers take cruise
vacations annually, spending around $64 billion.
This year, it's all about dollars and cents for
cruise lovers in these tough times. Some cruise
lines are offering trips starting a low as $500
for a seven day trip.
"I really do think it's a direct result of the
economy right now. But more ships are coming out
each year and it's more a demand and supply and
cruises have become more affordable," explained
Miami travel expert Lucy Cerullo.
Cerullo and her business partner Karen Segalla
at
Total Travel Marine have been in
business for twenty years, booking flight for
marine staff and cruises for passengers. In all
their years in business, they say they've never
seen prices like this.
"An all inclusive vacation that the entire
family can enjoy; you can bring your kid, there
are activities for the kids," she said.
There are more options for cruisers then ever
before: more destinations, anywhere in the world
you want to go, and a larger variety of
activities on and off ship.
To find those deals, check the internet, check
with and travel agent or you can go directly to
the cruise ships websites.
Cato Larsem said the money he saved on the
cruise, allows him to do some extra shopping.
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